Whitsunday Sailing Adventures Sailing Catamaran 'O-Nice'

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A small group, two night sailing tour of the Whitsundays on O-Nice, one of iSail's twin catamarans, with time at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet and plenty of time to sit back and relax.

Days

Two nights on board

Group size

Small group, max 10

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Airlie Beach

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Private cabins with ensuites on board the catamaran

Transport

O-Nice, a sailing catamaran

Meals

3 meals a day, with morning and afternoon appetisers

Route

Map of Whitsunday Sailing Adventures Sailing Catamaran 'O-Nice'

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Included experiences

Whitehaven Beach — swirling sands and beach time
Hill Inlet — lookout over the sands
Fringing reef — snorkelling
Coral gardens — stand up paddle boarding
Glass bottom kayaking
Sea scooters among the marine life

Whitsunday Sailing Adventures Sailing Catamaran 'O-Nice'

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: A SUNSET DEPARTURE

Meet the crew at Coral Sea Marina in the late afternoon and board O-Nice, a 14.2 m sailing catamaran and twin of her sister boat Entice. She carries no more than ten guests, with private ensuite cabins and two crew. A catamaran sails flat and steady, which is good news if you've never sailed before. You head out into the Whitsunday Passage, the channel James Cook sailed through in June 1770, as the sun goes down behind the mainland. Spring rolls with Asian dipping sauces come out on deck, then honey soy baked salmon at the first anchorage.

Overnight: On board O-Nice

DAY 2: WHITEHAVEN, HILL INLET AND THE REEF

Morning coffee on deck is the time to watch for turtles popping up to breathe beside the hull. The crew aims to reach Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet on every trip, and the order of the day is set by the tides. From the lookout, the tide swirls sand and turquoise water into ever-changing patterns. Whitehaven Beach runs for about 7 km and is 98% pure silica, so fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool even in the midday sun. At the snorkel stops you float over the fringing reef, coral that grows straight off the island shore, or take the paddleboards over the coral gardens. Prefer to stay dry? The glass-bottom kayak shows you the reef from above.

Overnight: On board O-Nice

DAY 3: BACK TO AIRLIE BEACH

A last breakfast at anchor and lamingtons for morning tea, perhaps one more swim, then O-Nice sails back across the passage under the power of wind alone. Lunch is deli wraps on deck, and you're back at Coral Sea Marina in the early afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Fitness: Moderate.
Suits: Couples, families with older children, solo travellers.
Accommodation note: Private cabins with ensuites; the boat has 4 toilets and showers.
Please note: No hard cases or luggage with wheels. No glass bottles.

What to bring

A small soft bag only
Change of clothes
Swimwear
Toiletries
Beach towel
Insect repellent
Water bottles to refill
Camera
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
Warm clothes or a pullover for evenings (seasonal)
BYO alcohol (no glass, except wine bottles)

What is included

3 meals per day, plus morning and afternoon appetisers
All linen and bath towels
Wetsuits and stinger suits
Snorkelling gear
Stand up paddle boards
Glass bottom kayak
Children's life jackets

Not included

Alcohol (BYO)
Bottled water
Soft drinks
Beach towels

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.